Meet the Opposition: Barnsley

Last updated : 20 September 2007 By Chris C

A lot better than our home fans actually! The "real" fans travel away and are extremely vocal. The support at places like Southend last season was amazing!

Where do you think you'll finish in the league this year?

I hope with the signings we've made we can progress and move away from the relegation battle. Id like to think 15th-16th but at the end of the day Id still take 21st.

Who are your key players? Any youngsters to look out for?

Brian Howard, who I'm sure Southampton fans know about. A very talented boy who could play higher. Look out for Michael Coulson. Young striker we signed from Scarborough last summer, been banging them in at Academy and Reserve level and got a last min equaliser at Southend in the FA Cup last season.

Which team do you most want to beat this season?

Sheffield Wednesday not only our most hated local rivals but we havent beaten them for about 5 years and lost the last SEVEN at Hillsborough!

Would also like to beat Bristol City to put McIndoe in his place.

Where do you think Saints will finish in the league this year?

Great season for Southampton last season and Saganowski looks cracking. No reason why autos or the playoffs can't be achieved.

(Ed: I wish I shared your optimism about our team!)

Any Saints players you'd like in your team?

Most of them!! That Saga fellow and I wouldnt mind Idiakez and Rasiak!! I never rated Bale though, didnt do anything at Oakwell last season!

Score prediction?

I'll say 1-1 at Oakwell and 3-0 Southampton at St Marys Stadium.

(He was equally pessimistic about the St. Mary's game last year and who can forget the 5-2 thriller - let's hope he's proved right again. I'll go for a 3-1 win to Saints, with Howard the inevitable scorer...